Module 1.3
Solving The Discipline Problem
In our quest for self-improvement, countless options promise transformation and success. Despite this abundance, society still struggles with issues like obesity, laziness, and widespread unhappiness.
The problem isn't the lack of solutions – but the difficulty in applying them.
The Action Gap
Buying a self-help book or listening to an inspirational podcast is easy; the real challenge is turning this passive intake into active, long-term change. This discrepancy between intention and action is what we call The Action Gap.
To bridge The Action Gap, we must change our approach, big time. This approach starts with accepting that change is hard and must be followed by consistent action.
In this lesson, you'll see how the Neuro-Nudge Framework helps us close this gap between knowing what's good for us and actually doing it.
The Solution: Embrace Discomfort
The solution to the discipline problem is surprisingly simple: find ways to increase discomfort in your daily life by doing things you don't want to do. There are two main strategies:
Seek out and do an activity you don't want to do (e.g., putting your phone down and reading for 30 minutes before bed).
Take an activity you enjoy and make it less enjoyable (e.g., working out without music or working out for 5 minutes longer than normal).
In Module 2, we'll explore these strategies in more detail. For now, understand that every time you purposefully seek discomfort, you strengthen your Builder voice and weaken your Blocker voice.
How to Close The Action Gap
Closing “The Action Gap” requires changing our mindset on how we view and handle discomfort. Instead of avoiding discomfort and making good decisions or healthy choices easier, the solution lies in a mindset shift. We need to train our minds to do harder things. When we do this, adversity becomes easier.
Imagine lifting a 50-pound rock when you haven't been to the gym in a hot minute. Today, you might struggle to lift it, but the rock will feel lighter with strength training over a few weeks. Over time, as you get stronger, you can lift even heavier rocks.
This is exactly how training your willpower works – it's like training your muscles! Purposefully seeking challenges conditions your mind, boosting resilience and self-discipline. We close the gap between intention and action by practicing self-control. The more you use your willpower, the stronger it gets!
Becoming a Willpower Athlete
As we mentioned before, willpower is like a muscle. Just like any muscle, you can strengthen it through exercise.
Research supports this idea. While using your self-control muscle can be tiring at first, regular practice will boost strength and endurance. What begins as a challenge will gradually become easier.
New behaviors turn into habits, temptations lose their grip, and tackling willpower challenges simply become a way of life.
What Does This Mean for You?
The more you take action, the easier it gets!
Our Neuro-Nudge Framework emerged from the realization that taking action is the most important habit to develop. Without the willpower to act, even the best coach and program will fall short. This framework focuses on cultivating this foundational skill, helping you achieve other positive lifestyle changes or big goals.
In the next lesson, we'll discuss why traditional habit methods often fail in the long term.